Achadas da Cruz Viewpoint
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Achadas da Cruz Viewpoint

4.5
·2k reviews·Porto Moniz, Portugal

Dramatic coastal viewpoint with a thrilling cable car descent offering unparalleled ocean and cliff vistas.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds

CrowdLow
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Achadas da Cruz Viewpoint

Achadas da Cruz Viewpoint

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Dramatic coastal viewpoint with a thrilling cable car descent offering unparalleled ocean and cliff vistas.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"The view from the top alone was stunning and definitely worth the stop."

Vertical photo
TIP

⏳ Cable Car Wait Times

Expect queues for the cable car; consider going early or late to avoid long waits.

⬆️ Hike or Cable Car?

The cable car is thrilling, but a challenging hike is an alternative for the adventurous.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz

Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz

Porto Moniz

A thrilling cable car ride down a steep slope, offering unique sea and mountain views.

Upper Viewpoint

Upper Viewpoint

Top of the cable car station

Breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged coastline and dramatic green hills.

Fajã da Quebrada Nova

Fajã da Quebrada Nova

Bottom of the cable car

A small coastal area accessible by cable car, offering a unique perspective of the cliffs.

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Planning Your Visit

Cable Car Caution

The cable car to Achadas da Cruz can have long wait times, especially during peak season. Consider visiting early or late to minimize your wait. Some visitors found it a 'tourist trap' with little to do at the bottom, while others called it a 'best experience'.Reddit+1

Viewpoint Access

While the cable car offers a unique descent, the viewpoint from the top provides stunning coastal and mountain vistas. If the cable car is under maintenance or wait times are prohibitive, the upper viewpoint is still a worthwhile stop.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Beat the crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

5 spots you should visit in madeira: 📍 Miradouro de São Cristovão 📍Fanal forest 📍 Miradouro do Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz 📍 Praia do Porto do Seixal 📍Pico do arieiro to pico ruivo hiking trail #travel #madeira #Summer #island
@nikololita
211.8K likes • 1.3M views

⏳ Cable Car Wait Times

Expect queues for the cable car; consider going early or late to avoid long waits. Reddit+1

⬆️ Hike or Cable Car?

The cable car is thrilling, but a challenging hike is an alternative for the adventurous. Instagram

Things to do in Madeira 🇵🇹👇: 1. 🥾 Hike Pico do Areiro/Ruivo at sunrise 2. 🦐 Try traditional local dishes like Espada com banana 3. 🌳 Visit Fanal Forest UNSECO World Heritage Site 4. 🚡 Take the cable car to Achadas da Cruz and admire the beautiful landscapes 5. 🐋 Go for a whale and dolphins watching tour. 6.🍷 Taste traditional Madeiran wine and Poncha 7. 🏊‍♀️ Swim in a ginat natural pool like...
@tinaa.travels
100.2K likes • 2M views
Achadas da Cruz 📍 . . . . . #madeiraisland #madeira #island #viewpoint #discovermadeira #travelguide #views #landscapes #nature #achadasdacruz
themadeiratravelguide
314 likes • 9.7K views

☀️ Sunset Spectacle

The sunset from this viewpoint is spectacular, but check cable car operating hours. Instagram+1

🚗 Road Trip Stop

A great stop on a Madeira road trip for stunning coastal scenery. TikTok+1

📍Teleferico das Achadas da Cruz #madera #madeira #madeiraisland #visitmadeira #visitportugal #portugalplaces #madeiraportugal #placetovisit #mustvisitplace #ilovemadeira #madeiralovers #madeiraparadise #madeiranowordsneeded #madeira_islands #naturelovers #naturephotography #wakajki #passportready #alwaysonthego #holidaydestination #oceanlover #traveldestinations #memories #europeansummer #passpo...
monikapydynowska
12 likes • 321 views

Tips

from all over the internet

⏳ Cable Car Wait Times

Expect queues for the cable car; consider going early or late to avoid long waits. Reddit+1

⬆️ Hike or Cable Car?

The cable car is thrilling, but a challenging hike is an alternative for the adventurous. Instagram

☀️ Sunset Spectacle

The sunset from this viewpoint is spectacular, but check cable car operating hours. Instagram+1

🚗 Road Trip Stop

A great stop on a Madeira road trip for stunning coastal scenery. TikTok+1

☕ Coffee with a View

Enjoy a coffee with a stunning view at the top viewpoint. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Achadas da Cruz offers breathtaking views from its upper viewpoint, with the cable car ride down to Fajã da Quebrada Nova being a unique, albeit sometimes lengthy, experience. While some find the bottom area lacking, others praise the thrilling descent and stunning coastal scenery. Be prepared for potential queues and consider the viewpoint at the top as a worthwhile alternative.

"We had hoped to take the cable car down to the promenade for some fantastic views and photos. Unfortunately, it was under maintenance despite being told it would reopen the day before our visit. Still, the view from the top alone was stunning and definitely worth the stop."

Sandy Lindholm

"Absolutely stunning views! The scenary from the Miradouro is breathtaking. Taking the cable car down to the coast is quite the adventure — it’s steep and exhilarating, but totally worth it. A unique and memorable experience that combines natural beauty with a bit of a thrill. Highly recommend!"

Cristina Mirica

"This wasn’t our thing. Sure it’s cheap. But we had to wait at least 30 min down and 30 min up again. And there’s just not so much to do. Sure, the walk next to the shoreline is nice and the views pretty. Maybe more something outside peak season? There are for sure nicer options for cable car connections to deserted beaches on the south side of the island."

Bart de Vos

What People Like

Stunning panoramic views
Thrilling cable car ride
Spectacular sunset spot

What People Dislike

Long cable car wait times
Limited activities at the bottom
Cable car maintenance closures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Achadas da Cruz is located in Porto Moniz. The most common way to reach it is by car, as part of a scenic road trip around the island.TikTok+1 You can park at the top and access the viewpoint directly. The cable car station is also located here.

The roads leading to Achadas da Cruz can be steep and winding, typical of Madeira's mountainous terrain. Drive cautiously and be aware of other vehicles. Some visitors have experienced getting stuck on the second point by car, so careful navigation is advised.TikTok

Public transport options to Achadas da Cruz might be limited and time-consuming. Renting a car is generally recommended for exploring Madeira and reaching viewpoints like this conveniently.TikTok

Many visitors recommend taking the cable car down to Fajã da Quebrada Nova for a unique experience, but be prepared for potential wait times. The viewpoint at the top also offers incredible scenery.Reddit+1

Yes, Achadas da Cruz can easily be incorporated into a day trip, especially if you are exploring the northern coast of Madeira. It's often combined with visits to Porto Moniz natural pools or Fanal Forest.TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The cable car ride is generally inexpensive, with one visitor mentioning it's 'cheap'.Reddit Specific prices can vary, so it's best to check on arrival.

Tickets for the cable car are typically purchased on-site. Due to potential queues, arriving early or late in the day is advisable to avoid long waits.Reddit

The cable car service usually ends around 6 PM. It's crucial to check the operating hours before your visit, especially if you plan to stay for sunset, as you might need to hike back up.Instagram

The viewpoint at the top of Achadas da Cruz is generally free to access. The cost is primarily associated with the cable car ride down to the coast.

If the cable car is under maintenance, you can still enjoy the stunning views from the upper viewpoint. Some visitors found the top view alone to be 'stunning and definitely worth the stop'.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The panoramic views from the upper viewpoint are incredible for landscape photography.Instagram+1 The cable car ride itself offers unique angles of the steep cliffs and the ocean below.Instagram

Yes, Achadas da Cruz is a popular spot for sunset photos, offering spectacular golden hour light over the Atlantic.Instagram+1 Remember to check the cable car's closing time if you plan to descend.

The main viewpoint at the top of the cable car station provides expansive vistas. Miradouro Ponta da Ladeira also offers views towards Achadas da Cruz.Instagram

A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the sweeping landscapes. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the ocean and sky. Instagram

Yes, you can take photos from the cable car, but some visitors noted that the windows can be scratched, slightly obscuring the view.Reddit Still, it offers a unique perspective.

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

At the bottom, you'll find Fajã da Quebrada Nova, a small coastal area. Some visitors found it to be a 'ghost town' with 'nothing to do,' while others enjoyed the walk along the shoreline.Reddit+1

The hike down and back up is described as challenging, involving a descent and ascent of 500 meters over a 4-kilometer round trip.Instagram It's a significant physical effort.

Based on reviews, there are limited facilities at the bottom, with one visitor specifically mentioning 'not even a coffee shop'.Reddit

This can vary greatly. If you're just visiting the viewpoint, an hour might suffice. If you plan to take the cable car down and explore, factor in potential wait times and the hike, which could extend your visit significantly.Reddit

Yes, the viewpoint at the top offers stunning, expansive views of the coastline and is considered 'definitely worth the stop' even if the cable car is unavailable or you choose not to use it.Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz can be an exciting experience for families, offering a unique ride with stunning views. However, parents should be aware of the potential for long wait times, which might test the patience of younger children.Reddit The steepness of the cable car and the hike at the bottom require supervision. The viewpoint at the top offers a safe and accessible way for families to enjoy the scenery without the cable car descent.

🚶 Adventurous Travelers

For those who love a challenge, the hike down and back up from the upper viewpoint to Fajã da Quebrada Nova is an option. This 4-kilometer round trip involves a significant 500-meter elevation change and is described as challenging.Instagram It's a rewarding way to experience the dramatic landscape for those seeking an active adventure, bypassing the cable car queues.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Achadas da Cruz is a prime location for landscape and sunset photography.Instagram+1 The dramatic cliffs, the vast ocean, and the vibrant colors of sunset provide ample opportunities for stunning shots. Visiting during the golden hour is highly recommended for the best light. Remember to bring your wide-angle lens to capture the expansive panoramas.Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Achadas da Cruz Cable Car Experience

The Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz is a unique attraction that descends a very steep slope, connecting the upper village to the coastal area of Fajã da Quebrada Nova. The ride itself is an adventure, offering dramatic views of the rugged cliffs and the vast Atlantic Ocean.Instagram Many visitors find the journey exhilarating and a highlight of their Madeira trip.Reddit However, it's important to be aware of potential downsides. Wait times can be substantial, especially during peak tourist seasons, with some visitors reporting waits of an hour or more both ways.Reddit The windows on the cable car can also be scratched, which might slightly impact photo quality.Reddit

Despite the potential for queues, the experience is often described as 'amazing' and 'stunning'.Reddit At the bottom, Fajã da Quebrada Nova is a small, somewhat isolated coastal settlement. While some reviewers found it to be a 'ghost town' with little to do,Reddit others enjoyed a walk along the shoreline and the unique perspective it offers. For those seeking a more active experience, a challenging hike down and back up the steep slope is an alternative to the cable car, though it requires a good level of fitness.Instagram

Capturing the Views: Photography at Achadas da Cruz

Achadas da Cruz Viewpoint is a photographer's dream, offering breathtaking panoramic vistas that stretch across the dramatic Madeiran coastline. The primary viewpoint at the top provides an expansive canvas of rugged green hills meeting the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean.Instagram+1 This location is particularly renowned for its spectacular sunsets, where the sky ignites with color, casting a warm glow over the landscape.Instagram+1

For capturing these scenes, a wide-angle lens is highly recommended to encompass the vastness of the scenery.Instagram A polarizing filter can also be beneficial to enhance the saturation of the ocean and sky, especially during the golden hour. While the cable car ride offers unique photographic opportunities, be mindful that the windows may be scratched, potentially affecting clarity.Reddit Nevertheless, the perspective from the cable car, looking down the steep incline towards the sea, is a distinctive shot that captures the essence of this location.

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